Clothes-dkiek



UNITED STATES PATENT CEFICE.

R. MERRILL, OF ELMIRA, NEW YORK.

CLOTHES-Damn.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 27,231, dated February 21, 1860.

To all 'whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RENssELAnR MERRILL, of Elmira, in the county of Chemung and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Machine for Drying Clothes, called a Revolving Self-Tightening Clothes-Reel; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification, in which the figure is a perspective view.

The nature of my invention relates to a portable, self tightening, self securing, revolving clothes reel for the purpose of drying clothes When constructed and arranged as hereinafter described.

A post F is fitted at the top to receive an annular flanged collar C which plays freely thereon and rests upon a shoulder, formed upon the post, When the reel is expanded to its full extent. A metallic cap A, the external diameter of Which is less than that of the interior diameter of the collar C, is fitted to the top of the post in such a manner that it can revolve freely thereon. Flanges or lugs are secured to its top to which are jointed long radial Wooden arms B. Rods or braces D are jointed to lugs upon the collar C and at their upper extremities to the arms B. Braces E are jointed respectively to the arms B, and at or near a common center. Cords are rove through holes in the radial arms and connect them at suitable distances. Upon these cords the clothes are hung to dry, their Weight and that of the radial arms, and collar C, in fact that of every part of the machine excepting the post and cap has a tendency to expand the machine and tighten the cords.

The arms are prevented from being depressed below a horizontal line, by the braces D, extending from the arms to the collar, the latter when the arms are in this position resting upon the shoulder on the post, at the same time the braces E, being brought to a horizontal position act directly upon the arms and keep the machine extended.

If at any time, in consequence of an impending shower or from any other cause, it becomes necessary to place the clothes under shelter Without delay, the common center of the upper braces can be elevated, the collar lifted up over the cap and the Whole machine thus closed up can be carried With facility, clothes and all to a place of safety.

Having thus fully described my improvements, What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is The combination of the collar C cap A and braces D and E With the radial arms B, when constructed and arranged in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

RENSSELAER MERRILL. litnesses:

N. P. FAssE'rr, A. ROBERTSON. 

